Did It Myself
by Pat & Buster Boo
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Well, the time that I had been dreading came around. Buster Boo's first haircut. I was determined to keep him looking like the puppy he is (less than 6 mos) and do it myself. The heat here in Texas was really getting to him and I needed to do something fast. So...without good equipment - just a pair of scissors and human hairclippers - I did it. Buster was a champ. He endured a long session of snipping and clipping that took well over an hour and a half. His protests were mild and he gave in easily - just moved around alot. My husband had built us a grooming table out of an old plastic patio table with a plastic pipe rising from the center. It wasn't the best job in the world, but I think it was OK for a first cut. I was able to maintain the puppy look without skinning him. Buster looks like he feels much better, and I am encouraged to go out and spend the money on some good clippers. I can't tell you how relieved I am to know that I can do this job myself. Washing and drying him afterwards was a breeze. I don't think I would have tried it if I had not read so many posts by you good folks about doing it yourselves. I don't post often, but I certainly enjoy following the wonderful stories you all share. Hope Buster Boo and I will have some more of our own in the future. - Pat & BB
DISCUSSION:
Way to go, Pat! Your cuts will get better and better and Buster Boo(cute name!) will eventually stand still.
April B
Good for you Pat! I clipped Rastus once when I was flat broke and it was an experience neither of us enjoyed - I'm always impressed by anyone who has the patience to do this themselves.
Deanna (Moose & Squirrel)
Pat, go girl! Seven years ago I purchased a really good set of clippers and they are still running strong & it only took a few times of using them and not going to the groomers to recoup the $$ spent. Not to mention that if it gets done babdly I can't get mad at anyone else! ha ha! It gets easier!
Leslie R
Pat - you brave soul you. I wouldn't dare even attempt this but who knows if I didn't have a good groomer?? I'm glad it turned out OK and alot of folks here don't seem to have a problem with it. I've thought of trying but its way too scary for me to even attempt and have my poor Bailey looking silly. I'm sure Buster Boo looks adorable and with practice will be perfect (not that he isn't already) and the cash you're saving can be used for those new clippers. Good Luck!
Robin D.
Good for you Pat! I also groom Cubbie myself. Don't have the extra money for a professional to do it, besides, I am a little scared to let someone else clip him. I have heard some horror stories of groomers getting carried away and nicking the skin. Cubbie has the most delicate pink skin I ever saw. I have to be soooo careful, but it is worth it. Keep going girl!
Felicia & Cubbie
Pat, that's just great. I would love to groom Comet since he is groomed every three weeks without fail. The groomer comes right to our house, so I'm spoiled. In another post, Jay knew of someone that was willing to make a video of grooming for the puppy cuts and I sure hope that is a reality soon. Send a picture of your cute cut doggie!
Halen
Hi Pat, I do my Taffy too. Since I'm a hair dresser, I now find it easy to do. My dad and mom in the 60's had a wire haired fox terrier, and at that time, he bought a clipper for about $80.00's. I use that, and go with the hair, not opposite or against it. Then, I can finish Taffy off with my own clipper, I use the #4 comb, and #3 when it gets really hot. But I don't want to make her too short as she will look skinny. She is use to it. Now if she will let me clean her teeth, cut her nails, and pulf out the hairs from her ears. Now, I think I'm asking for too much, don't you think!!
Margaret & Taffy
Margaret, thanks for the info about how you clip Taffy. In regard to toothbrushing, I use a finger brush with poultry flavored paste. Buster Boo likes it so much he thinks it is his end-of-grooming treat! When the flavor begins to fade he resists a little but not much. Also, I have found that if I rub BB's ear after each pull and tell him what a wonderful boy he is, he seems calmer and less combative than if I just keep on without a pause. As for the nails, it just depends on his mood that day. At least the whole process is becoming less of a battle royal. - Pat & BB
Pat & Buster Boo
Cougratulations, Pat, on a job well done! I took over Touquet's grooming about a year ago after a bad experience at the groomer's. Since then, he has grown a very long coat[ggg]. I just trim the ends to keep it even. I admire your courage in attempting something as complex as a puppy cut on your little one. I'm sure Buster Boo looks adorable!
Barbara & Touquet
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